English II

The play “Raisin in the Sun is primarily about goals as characters go through brutal conditions that they are encountering. The value and purpose of desires are essentially one of the most important themes and one of the characters that best develops it is Mama. Each and every family member has an ambition. Beneatha’s target is to be a physician. Walter, on the other hand, just wants money so that he can be able to afford purchases. All through the course of the play, the Youngers are struggling so that they can all achieve their goals. The Youngers are struggling to achieve their dreams and their happiness and lack of it is tied directly to achieving their future plan. However, by the end of the play, the most essential plan is decided to be the purchase of a house by Mama because it unites the entire family. In the play A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry reveals the character of Mama to show her development as the foundation of her family and her role in pushing them to achieve their goals.

Mama is the leader of the Younger’s household. To help them achieve their needs, she demands that all the members of the family have self-dignity and try their best to make sure they pursue it. To live as per her plan, Mama requires that their apartment always be cleaned. She believes in standing up for her ideals and also provides perspective as a member of the older generation. She is a believer in working hard so as to be a success but also in the maintenance of her morality and boundaries. She rejects Beneatha’s sentiments because though progressive, they are unchristian. Further, Ruth’s consideration for abortion is a disappointment to her.

When Walter wants to open up a liquor store, she turns down the idea. “I don’t ’low no yellin’ in this house, Walter Lee, and you know it—And there ain’t going to be no investing in no liquor stores.” (Act I scene II) She is not willing to partner in a business that to her is an unchristian venture. To her, money is a means to an end. dreams come across to her as being more important than the gaining of material wealth. The goal to own a house that has a yard where Travis can have his fun is extremely dominant to her.

Mama comes out as a loving lady, as seen by her continuous reminders to Walter Lee that all she wants is to make her family pleased. She is deeply concerned about Walter and she shows this by giving her the money that is leftover from the insurance. She cares about Ruth and this is apparent when she is the shoulder to lean on when Walter ignores her. She is also respectful of Beneatha’s assessment of George Murchison as self-centered. Mama is very loving towards Travis and she is hopeful that she will buy a house with a big enough yard for him to play on. “Been thinking that we maybe could meet the notes on a little old two-story somewhere, with a yard where Travis could play in the summertime.” (Act I, scene II). She cares for Travis and also wants him to his have fun since he’s younger and doesn’t feel left out. Further, all throughout the play, she shows affection towards her plant.

Mama’s character is developed throughout the narrative to portray the theme of the importance of goals. Not only is she working towards attaining her goals but she is also working to help her family members achieve theirs too. She is not only financially helping them but she also offers moral support to them. This ensures that they believe in themselves and can work towards their goals.